Congressional Republicans declined to pass the measures last year, and until recently, the Obama administration had joined them in moving on to other debates.

But a series of dour economic reports -- especially on the labor market -- have sparked concern that the economy is starting to slow, and further fiscal stimulus may be needed to maintain growth rates.

Europe's debt crisis and the continent's resulting economic malaise are adding to worries, and Obama voiced concern on Friday that American exports may slow as a result.

"Right now," Obama said, "people in this town should be focused on doing everything we can to keep our recovery going and keeping our country strong -- and that requires some action on the part of Congress."

But this Congress, known more for its partisanship than its legislative abilities, is unlikely to heed Obama's call. Lawmakers will recess in July, and already face deadlines on student loan and highway funding bills.

The "cliff" includes the expiration of the Bush tax cuts, middle-class protection from the Alternative Minimum Tax, and more than 50 "temporary" tax breaks for individuals and businesses that are set to run out.

Bernanke said going over the cliff would "pose a significant threat to the recovery." He added that uncertainty over the issue's resolution -- largely in Congress' hands -- could "undermine business and household confidence."

Despite the petitions from Bernanke and Obama, lawmakers are unlikely to move quickly on legislation that would provide further stimulus or certainty to markets.

Republicans find the prospect of further spending to be anathema, and election year politics is unlikely to allow for compromise. Every House seat, one-third of the Senate and the presidency are up for grabs in November.

Obama, perhaps acknowledging that his plea for action will fall on deaf ears, suggested Friday that Congress will be held accountable.

"If Congress decides despite all that that they aren't going to do anything about this simply because it's an election year, then they should explain to the American people why," he said.